To kick off the weekend, NBA fans will be treated to a six-game featured DFS slate on Friday. This evening’s hoops features several must-watch names in action. That includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Johnson, Donovan Mitchell and Jaylen Brown; such star power is virtually impossible to ignore.
Regardless, a winning fantasy lineup demands several lower-cost options. Having a handful of bargains to support your stars goes a long way. Here are three underpriced players to consider this evening in DFS and season-long fantasy formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Excellent 8’s [$50K to 1st]
SF Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies vs. NOP ($4,900)
It’s been a season to forget for the Grizzlies, due in part to a never-ending parade of injuries. What makes Memphis such a frustrating squad is that they do have a fair share of young talent. The issue is getting them all on the court together playing cohesive basketball. One name that fans should be high on going forward is Jaylen Wells. The second-year pro might not develop into an All-Star, but he’s already a reliable forward. Through 42 games, he’s averaging 11.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game (20.9 FPTS).
Those numbers on their own are good enough to warrant fantasy consideration against a lackluster opponent. Ja Morant (elbow) is sidelined, opening up even more touches on offense. Tonight, Memphis will take on a Pelicans squad giving up the fourth-most fantasy points to small forwards. In addition, New Orleans is coughing up the third-most points (122.0) and second-most three-pointers made (14.8) in basketball. It won’t take much for Wells to deliver on this modest price tag.
C Dylan Cardwell, Sacramento Kings at CLE ($4,500)
Dylan Cardwell wasn’t thought of very highly coming out of college. However, the undrafted free agent is showing signs of a future in the NBA. Over his last ten games, Cardwell is putting up 5.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. This level of production shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. The rookie, going back to his time at Auburn, has always been a defensive menace. That’ll go a long way towards earning minutes on a Kings roster that struggles to generate stops.
Cardwell has seen his workload rise over the past week. The big man logged at least 21 minutes in each of his last three outings. During that time, he’s tallied a total of 91.2 fantasy points (30.4 per game). Cleveland has, on paper, an intimidating frontcourt. However, the Cavaliers are giving up the 11th-most fantasy points this season to opposing centers. What’s nice about Cardwell is that points are a bonus; domination on the glass is more than possible.
PG/SG Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. IND ($4,200)
What makes the Thunder so special isn’t just their collection of young stars. No team in the association possesses OKC’s sheer depth, loaded with quality role players. Cason Wallace is a prime example of someone overqualified for a reserve role. The former first-round pick comes off the bench on most nights. Still, he usually manages to make an impact on both ends of the floor. This season, Wallace has recorded 7.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game (19.2 FPTS).
Wallace’s knack for inducing turnovers gives him a safer fantasy floor than some of his peers. In addition, the Thunder will also be without several key contributors on Friday. Jalen Williams (hamstring), Alex Caruso (adductor) and Ajay Mitchell (abdominal) have all been ruled out. Indiana has been lackadaisical on offense recently. The Pacers lead the NBA in turnovers over their last three games. Given his low cost, Wallace is a worthwhile investment tonight.
